The Baltic Capitals

Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius and Helsinki
9 Days / 8 Nights

Start your journey with Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, situated on the southern coast of the Bay of Finland. Sense the timeless beauty of Old Europe as you walk along the quaint, winding street of this wonderfully preserved old Baltic port city. Your tour of this charming city will take in the old quarter. You’ll see the Church of the Dome Cathedral, the Gothic Town Hall, and Castle Hill. Strolling, the streets of Tallinn, one will note the quaint tiled-roofs and intricate weather vanes, which decorate the city’s buildings. Latvian sites include the spa city of Parnu and the capital, Riga with its unique Hanseatic-style warehouses and the wide variety of Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic and Classical architecture present throughout the city. In Lithuania, your tour guide will recount the history and the ongoing restorations in the Baltic Republics. The tour will include, the white church of St. Peter and Paul and the small medieval castle in Trakai.

Tallinn, View from Dome Hill

Day 1 Friday Welcome to Tallinn
After customs formalities, you will be met and then transferred to your hotel for check-in. Today begin your walking city tour – sense the timelessness of Old Europe as you walk along the quaint, winding streets of this wonderfully preserved old Baltic port city. The Dome Cathedral and Castle Hill are just two of the landmarks on the tour. Welcome dinner in a restaurant located in the Old Town. D

Day 2 Saturday
In the morning tour the open-air museum of Rocca al Mare, where you will enjoy a folk performance. Continue your tour to the recreational area known as Kadriorg-Pirita with free time for shopping or sightseeing. B

Day 3 Sunday Tallinn – Riga, Latvia
After breakfast drive to Riga, the capital of Latvia, via Parnu – a summer city known for its spas. Continue to Sigulda (in Latvia) often called the “Latvian Switzerland” because of the beauty of its landscape. Here, visits will include the Turaida Castle and Gutmana Cave. Arrive in Riga and check-in at the hotel. Dinner is at a local restaurant in the old town. B, D

Turaida Castle, Latvi

Day 4 Monday
Hanseatic-style warehouses testify to Riga’s past as an important trading center; within its narrow, crooked lanes, different architectural styles vie for attention: Baroque, Gothic and Classical forms are denoted in the exquisite Portals and facades. The walking tour of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, the Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers, the Large and Small Guilds and the Freedom Monument. The afternoon is reserved for an optional visit to the seaside resort town Jurmala, famous for its wooden architecture and sandy beaches. In the evening, enjoy an optional Latvian dinner at the stylish Restaurant La Boheme. B

Day 5 Tuesday Riga – Vilnius, Lithuania
Travel from Riga to Vilnius with en-route visit to Rundale Palace, an ornate 18th century palace designed by Rastrelli who was also responsible for the Winter Palace in St Petersburg. As we cross into Lithuania, our first stop will be a visit to the famous Hill of Crosses in Siauliai. This small hill is covered by thousands of artfully carved crosses in many sizes. Arrive in Vilnius and check- in at the hotel. Dinner is at a local restaurant. B, D

Day 6 Wednesday
Morning guided walking tour of Vilnius with afternoon visit to the attractive lakeside town of Trakai, located approximately 20 miles west of Vilnius and formerly the capital of Lithuania. Sights here include the Russian Orthodox Church, Church of the Assumption and Island Castle dating from 1400, which has been painstakingly restored. Return to Vilnius for free time. B

Day 7 Thursday Vilnius – Helsinki, Finland
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for the short flight to Helsinki. Arrive in Helsinki, and transfer to the hotel. The balance of the day is reserved for exploring the Finnish capital individually. B

Church in Rock, Finland

Day 8 Friday
The sightseeing tour takes you around the harbors, up central Mannerheim Street and by the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall, and the Sibelius Monument and for a visit at the famous Church-in the-Rock. In the afternoon an optional excursion by waterbus to the historic Suomenlinna Fortress is offered. B